Collect the exact requirements
Open the official requirements for each school you are considering. Record the cycle, required subjects, semester or quarter credits, labs and any grade or timing rules. Similar course names do not guarantee equivalent credit.
Record your transcript accurately
Add completed, current and planned courses to your planner. Use semester credits consistently. Keep the original course code, institution, grade and lab details in your notes.
Resolve ambiguous courses early
Ask your advisor and the school about substitutions, online courses, AP credit or older coursework. Save the answer and the date. A subject match in this planner is a way to spot questions, not a school’s approval of your coursework.
Plan backward from completion
Check when each course is offered and which courses depend on earlier ones. Leave room for changes and confirm the school’s completion deadline before choosing an application year.
Go to the source
Use the current instructions from your school, application service, exam provider or licensing board when making decisions.
ADEA: school research ↗